Waukesha, WI Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Where barbed wire/electric fences allowed
- T-1 Temporary district only
- Purpose allowed
- Livestock control only
- Security fence barbed wire height
- At least 8 feet above grade
- Low barbed wire ban
- Prohibited within 5 feet of ground citywide
- Security fence approval
- Plan Commission review required
Summary
Waukesha bans barbed wire and electric fences almost everywhere: they are allowed only in the T-1 Temporary zoning district and only to contain livestock. Non-residential security fences can carry barbed wire on top, but only at least eight feet above grade, and a separate nuisance ordinance bans low barbed wire within five feet of the ground citywide.
Barbed-wire fences and electric fences are permitted only in the T-1 Temporary district, and only for control of livestock. ... Security Fences may include up to four strands of barbed wire on the top of the fence provided that the barbed wire is at least 8 feet above grade, and the vertical supports for the barbed wire shall either extend vertically or slant inward away from the property line.
Full Breakdown
Waukesha's zoning code, Sec. 58(2), draws a hard line on fence materials: barbed-wire and electric fences are permitted only in the T-1 Temporary district, and even there only for controlling livestock, which rules them out for ordinary residential and commercial lots. The one exception for developed property is the Security Fence, allowed up to the property line in every zoning district except residential and capped at 10 feet in height; a Security Fence may add up to four strands of barbed wire along its top, but the wire has to sit at least eight feet above grade with support posts running vertical or slanting inward, away from the neighboring property, and every Security Fence installation needs Plan Commission review and approval before it goes up.
Even where barbed wire is technically allowed, a separate public-nuisance ordinance layers on a citywide height floor: Sec. " Together, the two sections mean a homeowner cannot legally install a residential fence with low barbed wire or an electrified wire anywhere in the City outside the T-1 district.
Violations & Fines
Installing a barbed-wire or electric fence outside the T-1 district, or a Security Fence with barbed wire lower than eight feet, violates Sec. 22.58(2) and is punishable under the general penalty schedule, Sec. 25.05: $10 to $2,500 for a first offense, $100 to $5,000 for repeat offenses. Barbed wire within five feet of the ground anywhere in the City is separately a public nuisance under Sec. 12.05(17), subject to City-ordered abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a barbed wire fence around my Waukesha yard?
Are electric fences allowed anywhere in the city?
Can a business fence have barbed wire on top?
Is there a rule about how low barbed wire can hang?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukesha
Compare Waukesha to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview
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